Gisborne: The First City to See the Sunrise

• HelloKia ora
  [kee-ah oh-rah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāo
  [ka-oh]
• Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [ten-ah koh-eh]
• Thank youKia ora
  [kee-ah oh-rah]
• Excuse me/SorryAroha mai
  [ah-roh-hah my]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [keh-ee teh pay-heh-ah koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Rawe. Ā koe?
  [rah-weh. eye koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kōrerotia te reo Pākehā e koe?
  [koh-reh-raw-tee-ah teh reh-oh pah-keh-hah eh koh-eh]
• I don't understandKāore au e rapu nei
  [ka-oh-reh oh eh rah-poo nay]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe āta titiro i te menewa, tēnā
  [meh ah-tah tee-tee-roh ee teh meh-neh-wah, ten-ah]
• I don't eat meatKāore au e kai kau
  [ka-oh-reh oh eh kai cow]
• Cheers!Chur!
  [chur]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe āta utu, tēnā
  [meh ah-tah oo-too, ten-ah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga atu ki te rata!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh rah-tah]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illKua mate ahau
  [koo-ah mah-teh ah-how]

• I'd like to buy...Ka hiahia au ki te hoko...
  [kah hee-ah-hee-ah oh kee teh hoh-koh]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro ahau
  [keh-ee teh tee-tee-roh ah-how]
• How much is it?He aha te utu?
  [heh ah-hah teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe roa rawa te utu
  [heh roh-ah rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kigh-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi noa iho
  [koh-tah-hee noh-ah ee-hoh]
• Half past (10)Tekau karaka
  [teh-kow kah-rah-kah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAta mārie
  [ah-tah mah-ree-eh]
• EveningPō
  [poh]
• YesterdayIrāmutu
  [ee-rah-moo-too]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [ten-eh-ee rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [eye-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [keh-ee heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [he-ah ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu ki ahau (i runga i te mahere)?
  [kah tie-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too kee ah-how (ee roon-gah ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te (pahi) e whai mai ana?
  [eye-heh teh (pah-hee) eh fah-ee my ah-nah]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki ....)
  [heh tee-kee (kee ....)]

The rich history of Gisborne begins with the arrival of the Māori people, who are believed to have settled in the area over 700 years ago. The region, known to the Māori as Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa, became an important settlement due to its fertile lands and abundant seafood. The local iwi (tribes) like Ngāti Porou and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki have deep-rooted connections with the land, which are reflected in the area's many marae (meeting grounds) and cultural landmarks.

Gisborne holds a significant place in New Zealand's European history as the first place where Captain James Cook set foot on New Zealand soil. On October 8, 1769, Cook and his crew aboard the HMS Endeavour landed at Kaiti Beach. This event marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and interaction between Europeans and Māori. The Cook Landing Site National Historic Reserve commemorates this pivotal moment in history.

The early 19th century saw the Musket Wars, a series of conflicts among Māori iwi exacerbated by the introduction of muskets by European traders. These wars significantly impacted the Gisborne region, leading to shifts in power and the displacement of various tribes. The aftermath of the Musket Wars saw the consolidation of territories and the establishment of new tribal boundaries.

During the mid-19th century, the Gisborne region found itself entangled in the New Zealand Wars, a series of conflicts between the Māori and the British Crown. The wars were primarily over land disputes and sovereignty. The Battle of Waerenga-a-Hika in 1865 was a significant event in the area, where government forces clashed with Māori resisting land confiscation. This conflict had lasting effects on the local population and land ownership.

In the late 19th century, Gisborne began to develop as a significant port town, thanks to its strategic coastal location. The establishment of the harbor allowed for the export of wool, meat, and other agricultural products, spurring economic growth. Infrastructure improvements, including the construction of the railway in 1902, further boosted Gisborne’s importance as a trade hub.

World War II had a profound impact on Gisborne, as it did on the rest of New Zealand. Many local men enlisted and fought overseas, while the town itself played a role in the war effort by providing agricultural produce and other resources. The war also accelerated social changes, including the integration of women into the workforce and the growth of urban areas.

Today, Gisborne is known for its vibrant cultural scene and economic diversity. The region is celebrated for its wine production, particularly Chardonnay, and hosts numerous festivals and events that draw visitors from around the world. The Tairāwhiti Arts Festival and Rhythm and Vines music festival are just two examples of how Gisborne has become a cultural hotspot. The city also continues to honor its rich Māori heritage through various cultural centers and events.

Gisborne is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The closest major airport is Gisborne Airport (GIS), which has regular flights from Auckland and Wellington. Alternatively, you can drive to Gisborne from major cities such as Auckland (approximately 6 hours) or Wellington (approximately 7 hours). Inter-city bus services are also available, offering a scenic route through New Zealand's beautiful landscapes.

Gisborne is a relatively small city, making it easy to get around. Renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Local bus services are available for getting around the city, and taxis can be found at major points like the airport and city center. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with several bike rental shops available.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Gisborne for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments or rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.

Gisborne is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas like the central business district are generally safe, but it's always wise to stay vigilant. Crime targeting tourists is rare but not unheard of.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Gisborne Hospital provides emergency medical care, and there are several pharmacies in the city for minor health concerns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably. Gisborne has a laid-back, beach-town vibe. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Marae (Māori meeting grounds). Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to drivers and other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Kia Ora' (hello in Māori). Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and wines, and don’t forget to try the famous Gisborne Chardonnay. Avoid littering and be mindful of the environment.

To experience Gisborne like a local, visit the Farmers' Market held every Saturday morning, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Explore the local beaches and take part in water activities like surfing and fishing. Don’t miss out on visiting the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, which offers beautiful walking trails and picnic spots.